Aklan LGU Joins Foreign Study Mission on Smart and Sustainable Cities and Communities in Singapore

KALIBO, Aklan- The Aklan Information and Communications Technology Council (AICTec), Chaired by Governor Jose EnriqueMartin Miraflores, in collaboration with the League of Municipalities, Aklan Chapter led by its President, Mayor Dexter Mationg Calizo of Balete, and with the support from Senator Loren B. Legarda and the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), is proud to announce the upcoming Foreign Study Mission on Smart and Sustainable Cities and Communities under the AGILE (Adaptive Governance and Innovation for Local Executives) Program. This mission will be held from November 11 to 16, 2024, at the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy of the National University of Singapore.

This program aims to equip local government executives and stakeholders with essential knowledge, strategies, and global insights on building smart, resilient, and sustainable communities. In line with AGILE’s mission to promote adaptive governance, the study mission will focus on the latest innovations in technology, policy-making, and sustainable practices that contribute to more efficient and liveable communities.

Key Highlights of the Foreign Study Mission:

Sessions on Smart Cities: Lectures and workshops on the adoption of smart technologies for improving public services, including digital governance, smart infrastructure, and data-driven decision-making.

Sustainable Urban Development: Best practices for creating sustainable, green communities with a reduced carbon footprint, energy-efficient buildings, and environmentally friendly policies.

Global Policy Exchange: Engaging discussions with international experts and policymakers to explore adaptive governance frameworks suited to the evolving needs of urbanization.

Field Visits: Participants will visit pioneering smart and sustainable communities in Singapore, witnessing first-hand the impact of strategic planning and technological innovation. AICTec’s partnership with the League of Municipalities, Senator Legarda, and DAP underlines a shared commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and capacity-building for local leaders, empowering them to implement impactful changes in their communities.

Twenty (20) Aklan officials composed of the Vice Governor, Mayors, Vice Mayors, Sangguniang Panlalawigan and Sagguniang Bayan Members, the Executive Director and 2 technical staff of AICTech were accepted to the program. This Mission supports the priority program of Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Martin Miraflores to fast track the digital transformation of Aklan LGUs for expedient, efficient and transparent delivery of government services accessible to the people in person and on-line. It is further aimed to boost the economy of Aklan by providing a conducive business environment, encouraging the development of more MSME’s in the province thru ease of doing business, capacitate the MSME’s to market their products on-line for global competitiveness. This Mission is likewise aimed to enhance the appreciation and support of LGUs to develop a strong ecosystem for the ITBPM industry, attract business locators and create more jobs to uplift the lives of Aklanons.